How to Protect Your Computer From Spyware and Adware

Last year over 53 million people had their personal information exposed online somehow. That’s about 20% of the US population. Those numbers look worse when you consider that the majority of some age groups (the elderly for example) don’t use the web much.

What is Adware?

Adware or Ad supported software, is the type of software that shows unwanted advertisements. This type of virus is often infiltrated into the computer software someone purchase.

Spamming specialists (and there are a lot out there) are finding increasingly creative ways to track your online viewing habits. Simple, seemingly innocent every day web functions, increases your vulnerability. In the process of downloading a song, shopping or chatting online users run the risk of inadvertently downloading spyware that clutters hard drives, slows downs performance, or permanently disables their computer.

Sponsoring companies share sensitive information with vendors daily. SSNs, phone numbers, employee IDs, dependant demographics, addresses, etc are part of the normal data exchange. Companies using the web now have the additional need to make certain that sensitive information (either passed on to vendors or published on company intra/internet sites) is secure from hackers and identity bandits.

How to Protect Your Computer from Spyware and Adware

1. Install firewall software on your PC and make sure it’s active.  Check your firewall setting to see what’s permissible and not access your system.

2. Pay maximum attention to sites you are accessing. Adult sites are the main source of different Trojan horses, adware, spyware and other viruses.  Install a block site tool in case you are not the single one using the PC.

3. Carefully check everything before downloading in your PC.  Go to officials application’s sites like Google play or others and get them from there. Don’t trust Google results. Sometimes first results in Google for you query are the work of good SEOs. Look for trusted sources and be aware that even most secure first glance software can be bundled with viruses.

4. Once downloaded, check how your PC is working. If it become slower it’s a sign to remove app, run you antivirus and get rid of any malware.

5. Be careful when checking emails, especially attachments. Use trusted mail services like Gmail, Yahoo because they have developed an implement professional spam detection systems that keep your machine safe.

6. Scan you PC, laptop, iphone – everything- for viruses as often as possible.  Set your anti-spam software to get updated regularly to able to detect even the newest viruses.

Conclusion

To protect your computer from spyware and adware you have to be more careful with everything you download on your device. Aside of this, installing a powerful anti-spam software is a must.  Check to get weekly updates and do some manual cleaning once in a while.